Head of Department - Biochemistry - Dunedin

Head of Department – Biochemistry
Permanent, Full-time
Dunedin

Who we are | Ko wai māto

Awanui Labs Dunedin (previously traded as/known as SCL Dunedin) is part of Awanui Group, the largest network of human and veterinary diagnostics laboratories in NZ. Awanui has laboratories throughout the country and is committed to providing facilities and services that deliver exceptional care to its patients, referrers, and clients. Our team consists of talented and skilled individuals, all of whom play an important role in helping us to be New Zealand's leading provider of quality private healthcare services.

About the role |Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga

We currently have a leadership opportunity for a high-performing Head of Department for our Biochemistry department located at our Dunedin laboratory. This is a permanent, full-time, permanent position of 80 hours per fortnight, reporting to the Laboratory Manager.

This role offers you the opportunity to manage a successful department, leading a team of passionate team members including Medical Laboratory Scientists, Medical Laboratory Technicians and Trainees.

To be successful in this role you need strong leadership qualities with the ability to inspire and motivate others, you will have significant Biochemistry technical and operational knowledge and you will be able to continue to build a positive culture of Service Excellence.

As we embrace change, we invite you to infuse your unique perspective, leveraging your own expertise to take this critical position to new heights.

Responsibilities:

• Manage all department operations in line with accreditation and contractual requirements, ensuring effective and highest quality services are delivered to our patients and referrers while maintaining cost efficiencies.


• Lead and engage your team to motivate towards delivering exceptional service of the highest standard.


• Ensure the effective day-to-day running of the department.


• Effectively manage staffing resources, staff reviews, rostering, and leave management.


• Support the professional growth and development of team members by providing technical advice, training, and education.


• Monitor and manage efficient stock control and consumables usage to minimize waste and maintain cost-effectiveness.


• Introduce appropriate methodologies to the laboratory, optimizing processes to enhance service quality.


• Collaborate with staff across the Awanui network to ensure alignment of policies and processes.


• Lead projects to further develop laboratory operations.


• Work collaboratively with the General Manager, Operations Manager, other Regional Managers, Health New Zealand staff and referrers.

About you | He kōrero mōu

You will need to:

• Registration as a Medical Laboratory Scientist with a specialisation in Biochemistry and hold a current Annual Practicing Certificate.


• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to manage teams effectively and develop a positive workplace culture.


• Proven record of successfully leading and managing a technical team with a focus on quality systems, efficiency and developing high-performing teams


• Experience managing budgets, monitoring KPIs and making decisions to effect positive change.


• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in the field of Biochemistry.


• Demonstrated expertise in Biochemistry and a thorough understanding of laboratory protocols and practices.


• Proven record of exceptional service focus with excellent communication skills.


• Experience managing quality systems and sound understanding of Health and Safety regulations.


• Effective time management skills and ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines.


• Patient focus and committed to professional development.


• IT skills including proficiency with LIS’s, Word and Excel.

What’s in it for you | He aha mōu:
You will be joining a friendly, high-performing, and forward-thinking team environment. Our laboratory is highly automated and technically advanced, already delivering an outstanding service for patients and healthcare professionals.

Explore excellent opportunities to enhance your skills with our in-house Learning & Development team, ensuring your professional competency and career growth.

If you are ready to make a significant impact in the healthcare sector, thrive in a dynamic environment, and lead a dedicated team in the pursuit of excellence, we encourage you to ‘Apply now’

If you require more information contact Kay Jones, Lab Manager -  Dunedin: [email protected]

Application close 10 February 2026